Australian launch of digital health ecosystem

RMIT has partnered with the European Connected Health Alliance (ECHAlliance) for the launch of a digital health ecosystem in Australia that will strengthen the connections between patients, clinicians, researchers, policy makers, technology providers and the community.

The Melbourne Ecosystem – the first Australian digital health ecosystem – brings together people in the health and social care sectors with the aim to break down silos and open up opportunities for collaboration through regular meetings, events and online platforms and tools.

The Melbourne Ecosystem joins an international network of digital health ecosystems across three continents.

Andy Bleaden, ECHAlliance Director Ecosystems and Membership, said the Melbourne Ecosystem comes at an important time in the growth of digital health ecosystems internationally.

"We already have 34 thriving ecosystems in Europe and beyond – developing and driving healthcare transformations and breaking down silos as well as providing new economic opportunities," Bleaden said.

"The launch of the Melbourne Ecosystem follows the launch of groups in Sri Lanka, Canada and Malta.

"As our global ecosystem network grows, so do the connections for our members.

"We very much welcome the launch of the Melbourne Ecosystem, which is kindly hosted by our partner RMIT University," he said.

Clare Russell, Director, Research Partnerships and Initiatives, RMIT University; Matiu Bush, Deputy Director, Health Transformation Lab, RMIT University; Bettina McMahon, Chief Operating Officer, Australian Digital Health Agency; and Neville Board, Victoria’s Chief Digital Health Officer, Department of Health and Human Services at the launch event for the Melbourne Ecosystem.

RMIT's partnership with ECHAlliance in Melbourne has extended from the University's European hub in Barcelona.

In 2018, RMIT Europe and ECHAlliance ran a symposium on the transformation of healthcare for an ageing population. This year saw the delivery of a forum on blockchain and health as part of the Mobile World Congress.

RMIT's Director of Research Partnerships & Initiatives Clare Russell said the new ecosystem extends RMIT's existing relationship with ECHAlliance as well as provides significant collaboration opportunities to RMIT’s existing partners and networks.

“Our research and innovation priorities in health innovation will support the growth of the Melbourne Ecosystem – bringing together the right people for true transformation in the sector," Russell said.

"The Melbourne Ecosystem will engage with ecosystems across the world, further providing knowledge exchange opportunities for Australian researchers, health providers and community groups.

"RMIT is well positioned to host the ecosystem with its strong reputation in design-led solutions for health and social care.

"This is evidenced through the Health Transformation Lab, RMIT’s membership to the Digital Health CRC and ANDHealth, the Future Social Services Institute and our participation in the Aitkenhead Centre for Medical Discovery – all facilitating innovative, patient-centred design."

Story: Karen Matthews

12 November 2019

12 November 2019

RMIT Europe

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Acknowledgement of Country

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Australian launch of digital health ecosystem